It’s a sad day for College Hockey, with the news that Mercyhurst University is discontinuing its Men’s Hockey program following the conclusion of the current academic year. “Mercyhurst University today announced a series of academic program adjustments and the discontinuation of its Division I Men’s Ice Hockey program, decisions that reflect a comprehensive strategy focused on long-term viability and alignment with student demand.”
The announcement comes two years after the entire athletic program made the jump from Division II to Division I. The university will continue to support Women’s Division I Hockey and Men’s Club Hockey.
“These were thoughtful and consequential decisions,” said President Kathleen Getz. “They reflect our responsibility to ensure Mercyhurst remains strong, responsive, and focused on providing students with the opportunities and experiences that will prepare them for success.”
Mercyhurst established its first Club Hockey team in 1986. A year later, they moved to Division III. In their first full season in DIII during the 1988-89 season, the Lakers went 11-1-1.
After twelve seasons between DIII and DII, Mercyhurst transitioned to Division I hockey, going 20-14-2 in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference. Since, the Lakers have won five regular season conference titles (’01, ’02, ’03, ’14, & ’18), three conference tournament titles (’01, ’03, & ’05), and have made the NCAA Tournament three times (’01, ’03, & ’05). Mercyhurst has been a staple in Atlantic Hockey America (formerly the Atlantic Hockey Association) since its inception in 2003.
It was Mercyhurst Hockey’s annual “Giving Day” just a couple of days ago, asking for any donations to help the program following the conclusion of the season. And just like that, the longest tenured D1 sport at the university is no more.
Reports came out today that Head Coach Rick Gotkin, coach of the Lakers since 1988, found out only this morning, and only five minutes before the players were told the news.
In a statement from Atlantic Hockey America Commissioner Michelle Morgan, she said that she was deeply disappointed with this decision.
“Atlantic Hockey America is deeply disappointed by the news regarding the Mercyhurst men’s ice hockey program,” said Michelle Morgan. “We recognize the weight of this decision and the significance it has for the student-athletes and staff members who are affected. Our focus remains on supporting those impacted by this transition and ensuring the continued stability of our conference. The AHA will remain steadfast in continuing to elevate our league while remaining nimble in the continually changing landscape of collegiate athletics.”
There has been a lot of outcry from the Hockey community, from alumni, media, and fans all over the country in support of the program following the news.
“Our focus is on supporting every student-athlete through this transition,” said Director of Athletics Joe Spano. “We are committed to providing the resources, guidance, and individual support needed as they determine their next steps.”
This is the second consecutive year that a team from the AHA has left the conference. In 2025, American International College announced its decision to transition to return to Division II at the end of the 2024-25 season, ending a 27-year run as a Division I program.
With these two decisions in back-to-back offseasons, Atlantic Hockey America is now down to just nine schools for Men’s Hockey. As the league looks to replace the teams they lost, schools like Long Island University and Stonehill College would be ideal additions to the AHA.
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